Ailments Reflexology Helps Treat

Reflexology, the study of reflexes, is a form of bodywork that originated in ancient China around 4000 B.C. and was also practiced in ancient Egypt. The practice involves the application of pressure to the hands, ears, face, spine, and feet. The premise of reflexology is certain reflexes in the body sync with glands, organs, and soft tissues, and the application of pressure to specific reflexes can benefit health and relieve pain. Today, reflexology is used as part of holistic and complementary medicine, and it was first used for medical purposes in the early 1900s in Russia. While massage and other forms of alternative medicine rely on manipulating bones, muscles, and soft tissues and can be painful, reflexology allows practitioners to indirectly work on the problematic body area without causing pain. Patients do not have to undress at all for a reflexology session, and the treatment is entirely non-invasive. Studies have shown reflexology may have a number of health benefits, including those outlined below.

Reduces Musculoskeletal Pain

Reflexology gently reduces musculoskeletal pain, and most patients find it to be very relaxing. A reflexologist will first ask the patient about their health history and any injuries or particular aches and pains that may be present to effectively reduce musculoskeletal pain, as the treatment session will be customized to focus on those concerns. Many patients visit a reflexologist for back pain, and these patients may benefit from a type of reflexology known as craniosacral reflexology. This form concentrates on the feet and also incorporates elements of osteopathy. In addition to using their fingers and hands to apply pressure, reflexologists treating musculoskeletal pain may also use small balls or blunt wooden sticks to provide additional pressure. To relieve the musculoskeletal pain associated with pregnancy, a special type of maternity reflexology may be appropriate, and it is safe to use at any stage of pregnancy.

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Improves Anxiety

Attending reflexology sessions often improves anxiety in patients coping with mental health conditions, cancer, and other chronic health concerns. Scientists believe the relaxing, non-invasive nature of the sessions and the caring, healing touch from the reflexologist enables patients to let go of their worries and feel a greater sense of relaxation. The amount of pressure used during the treatment can be adjusted for patient comfort, and some patients may find that light or firm touch is particularly beneficial for their mental wellbeing. Reflexology sessions typically last at least forty minutes, and they can be an important part of self-care and recovery for anyone struggling with their mental health. Healing touch releases hormones, including oxytocin, known to improve an individual's mood.

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Alleviates Insomnia

Some patients have found reflexology alleviates insomnia, which is an inability to fall or stay asleep at night, and it results in patients feeling unrefreshed after waking. The condition is caused by many factors, including anxiety, stress, medications, and sleep disorders. The exact cause of insomnia is often difficult to pinpoint, and it varies from person to person. The gentleness of the reflexology sessions puts some patients into a dream-like, sleepy state, which can help with the resetting and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Regulating the sleep-wake cycle is key to treating insomnia.

Patients struggling with insomnia should mention this to their reflexologist during their health history. The reflexologist will try many different methods to help relieve the patient's insomnia. For example, vibrating equipment, osteopathic elements, varied application of pressure, and elements of massage therapy can all be incorporated into a reflexology session designed to improve sleep. Patients with insomnia may wish to book their reflexology sessions for the evening, as this may help them drift off to sleep faster and have more restorative sleep. Patients attending reflexology treatments for insomnia may wish to keep a sleep diary to share with their treatment provider.

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Improves Digestion

Like massage, anecdotal evidence suggests reflexology improves digestion. Trouble with digestion may occur due to cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, acid reflux, ulcers, and other medical conditions. Reflexology can stimulate the organs involved in the digestive process and encourage them to move more regularly. Patients who struggle with digestion should mention this to their reflexologist, and particular techniques will be tried to remedy the issue. Digestive issues may improve with the application of firm thumb pressure and brisk movements, and reflexologists may concentrate most on the feet for these sessions. In general, patients with gallstones may need to avoid the use of reflexology, and they should ask their doctors for advice. Patients with constipation and menstrual trouble have reported high levels of relief from the use of reflexology treatments.

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Benefits Stress

One of the most widely acknowledged benefits of reflexology is stress reduction. The practice benefits stress through the use of healing, gentle touch, and comfortable positioning. By taking time for themselves, reflexology helps patients practice self-care and nurture their bodies, which can alleviate the stress caused by work and relationships. Reflexology can help reduce the stress caused by major life events, physical health problems, and mental health issues. It is appropriate for all ages and can be used on both infants and the elderly. It is also generally appropriate for patients with cancer, heart disease, and other serious health issues. In fact, reflexology is often used to relieve stress and pain for cancer patients in palliative care wards of hospitals.

Patients attending reflexology sessions will be asked about their stress levels and any particular areas of the body in which they feel tension. These questions will likely be asked at every visit to monitor for any changes. Practitioners will adapt each session to focus on affected areas. They are trained to detect the very small differences in the way the patient holds their body that may be indicative of stress.